The idea with watering cactus is ensuring you strike a balance and avoid under or overwatering. The cactus turns pale, and it bends in a particular direction. There is also a downside to underwatering. If soil sticks on the stick, then there’s still water.
Another alternative would be using a stick to poke the soil to see if the bottom has water. Overwatering cacti will make its roots rot, and the plant will start turning pale. On average, during spring/summer, you can water once a week or even more, depending on whether the soil dries or not.Ī water gauge can help in determining the soils moisture - only water when the topsoil is dry. If it is outside in direct sunlight, you may need to water regularly as compared to when it’s indoors. Watering depends on where your cactus is placed. In cold seasons, winter and spring, they require less moisture. During this time, you need to water them adequately.
Most cacti experience growth during the warmer seasons. A water gauge can help in determining the soils moisture - only water when the topsoil is dry. They can stay for quite some time without water, but most often you’ll tell when it is insufficient as they start yellowing. One of their adaptations is that they store water so they can use it during the dry seasons. Therefore, even when you purchase a cactus that’s designed for such areas, you need to have a watering schedule.Ĭacti are naturally juicy, which means they store moisture. When should you water your cacti?Įven as some of the cacti are usually in arid areas, they require water.
Don’t add any fertilizer at this point because cacti have minimal nutrient requirements. Leave it to absorb for an hour such that even when you squeeze the mixture, no water droplets form. You need to water the mixture before transferring it to the pots where your cacti will grow. Ensure you mix everything to make sure the mixture blends evenly. 
You can also use vermiculite or pumice instead of the sand for the desert cactus.
For a tropical cactus, use the mix above to add builder’s sand because they require more moisture. Use equal portions of ground fir bark and peat moss in a bucket for either arid or tropical cacti. To make the potting mix, follow the following steps: However, making your own mix helps you have the right nutrients for your young cacti. You can purchase such and skip all the processes of making your own potting mix. There are available potting mixes in the market that are ready for use. Most of these cacti will thrive in purchased potting mixes specifically for cacti.Įnsure you know your cacti species and what type of conditions make it thrive A few steps to making the best cactus soil Most of the cacti that grow in arid areas, if they grow in poorly draining soils, they will eventually not grow. For tropical cacti, they need a little bit more organic matter in the potting mix than the arid cacti. Tropical cacti will drain quickly as they are usually suspended in trees so that their roots don’t rot due to too much water.įor such a cactus to thrive, it needs soil that drains well. If you decide to go with such species, ensure the potting mix is ideal for it. The ideal tropical cactus soilĮpiphyllums are a species of cacti found in the tropical rainforests. If you get a potting mix designed for tropical cacti but use it for the arid plant, it will not thrive. When you decide to purchase your cacti, ensure you know its species and what type of conditions make it thrive.Īfter buying it, you need to get a potting mix that is appropriate for it. There are those that prosper in dry sandy soils while others do well in tropical rainforests. The truth is, different cacti species live in different conditions. Start with a bang – the potting mix is everything We have compiled a beginner’s guide on caring for cactus, here are 11 easy to do tips: 1. Keeping them in the right conditions will see them thrive and live for decades. If you overwater them, they may end up rotting. CACTUS SEEDLINGS HOW TO
The most exciting part is when they bloom! Depending on what type your cactus is, they may have red, pink, blue, yellow, or white flowers.Īs a beginner, it’s important to note that you need to know how to care for your cacti. They are your ideal room-mate as they are easy to grow with less attention. I have always loved cacti and how easy they are to manage.
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